My dog's ear has gunk. Is it just wax or a serious infection?

By your description, he may have an ear infection. He will need to be examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. A swab of the ear can be examined in the clinic to diagnose infection (bacterial or fungal). The appropriate medication and ear cleaner can be dispensed afterwards.

By your description, your dog may have an [ear infection](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/ear-infections/). This would require an exam with your veterinarian for diagnosis. A swab of the ear(s) can be examined in the clinic to diagnose a bacterial or fungal (yeast) infection. Once the diagnosis is made, the appropriate medication can be dispensed to help clear it up. To help maintain clean ears after this episode, [clean the ears](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-steps-to-clean-your-dog-s-ears-properly/) regularly with a veterinary approved ear cleaner such as [Epi-Otic](https://us.virbac.com/epi-otic-advanced-ear-cleanser). You can find it or [other approved cleaners](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-ear-and-eye-care) online or in the local Petco. Your veterinarian may even dispense it along with medication. Use cotton balls or gauze pads to clean what you can see. Never insert anything down into the ear canal. This may cause injury which could complicate any existing condition.

This could be a sign of an ear infection in Max. Ear infections typically result from yeast or bacteria in dogs and can be itchy and painful. I'd recommend having Max examined by a veterinarian so his ears can be checked out. The veterinarian can take an ear swab to determine what type of infection is present and what medication can be used to treat it. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor Quincy. This sounds like he may have a severe ear infection. The foul odor usually indicates either yeast or bacterial infection. I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look to determine the type of infection so they can prescribe him the proper ear meds to help him feel better. They may also prescribe meds to help with the itching, redness, or antibiotics for bacteria if needed. I hope this helps

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an ear infection. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to check what type of infection is present and treat accordingly. Usually this resolves with topical therapy. Good luck and have a good night!

Brown ear discharge is not necessarily an ear infection. I recommend cleaning the ears with the cleaner to remove the waxy discharge. As long as the ears don't have a foul odor and are not inflammed or painful that is probably just normal ear wax. If the wax builds up too much then it's more likely to become an infection. With a dog like Wilson with flap ears that cover the ear canal I recommend that you check ears every week and clean the wax if needed. That way you'll know right away if an infection is developing. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Wilson.

This black, tarry substance is mostly wax and cleansing twice daily with an alcohol free ear cleanser for 5-7 days should help remove this (it will also remove any mites which may be stuck in it). Fill the ear with the solution, rub gently and then wipe away the disolved wax - repeat 3-5 times until ear appears clean; do this twice daily until ear has been thoroughly clean for 2 cleanings and then 1-2 times weekly to prevent build up. Any severe pain, blood or loss of appetite indicates there may be an infection and this would require assessment by a vet to prescribe the correct medicated drops